Orthopedic Physical Therapy Residency
- Overview
- Experiences & Structure
- Benefits & Location
- Leadership & Faculty
- Apply
Program Overview
We offer an Orthopedic Physical Therapy Residency primarily based in Wilmington, Delaware. Our program develops physical therapists into advanced orthopedic clinical specialists through evidence-based practice, intensive mentorship, compassionate care, and interprofessional collaboration.
Our mission is to provide a rigorous and supportive learning environment that fosters clinical excellence, professional growth, and a commitment to improving the musculoskeletal health of pediatric and adolescent athletes. The program prepares residents to optimize outcomes for people with musculoskeletal conditions throughout the lifespan. We aim to cultivate leaders who embody the spirit of “Well Beyond Medicine” through lifelong learning, scholarship, advocacy, and excellence in orthopedic physical therapy.
ABPTRFE has granted Nemours Children’s Health Orthopedic Physical Therapy Program — Delaware Valley candidacy status. Candidacy status signifies satisfactory progress toward accreditation. Achieving candidacy status is not an indication that ABPTRFE will grant initial accreditation. Participants who graduate from a program in candidacy status are not deemed to have completed an accredited program.
Program Highlights
30
Hours per week of patient care
4
Hours per week of one-on-one clinical mentorship
Up to 10
Hours per week of designated learning experiences
14-month program, beginning each July
Based at the Riverfront Fieldhouse in Wilmington, Delaware
One-on-one mentorship with residency faculty.
Residents are Nemours Children’s Health employees with full employee benefits
Program Structure
The residency is 14 months, beginning in July of each year. Residents spend 30 hours per week in patient care and four hours per week of one-on-one clinical mentorship with Nemours residency faculty, plus up to 10 hours per week of designated learning experiences. During the program, residents are employees of Nemours and receive the same benefits as other team members.
Learning Experiences
- Synchronous and asynchronous lectures
- Independent study
- Manual therapy skills lab
- Journal club (every two months)
- Sports rounds presentation (monthly)
- Specialty topic presentations (one to three lectures monthly)
- Research opportunities
Unique Learning Experiences
- Surgical observation
- Gait lab
- Integrative medicine/musculoskeletal wellness observation
- Prosthetic and orthotics clinic experience
- Adult outpatient orthopedic experience
- Resident-led presentations
Mentorship Opportunities
- Orthopedic and sports-related injury rehabilitation
- Concussion and vestibular rehabilitation
- Running Performance Program
- Pelvic health
- Schroth method
- Hand therapy
- Clinical supervision of DPT students
Program Benefits for Orthopedic Physical Therapy Residents
Salary & Benefits
Nemours offers a competitive salary and benefits package.
Learn more about salary and financials
Benefits
- Free on-site parking
- Free wellness program and 24/7 gym access
- Free access to the historic Nemours Estate
Living in Wilmington & Delaware Valley
Wilmington is easy to settle into. It’s affordable, manageable in size, and just a short train ride from Philadelphia. Baltimore and Washington, DC, are also close by. Need fresh air? The Brandywine Valley has trails, rivers, and historic gardens. Want more energy? Philly has food, arts, and sports at a world-class level. Here, you get the best of both worlds.
Resident Life
Training here isn’t only about rotations and research. It’s also about having the space and support to enjoy the journey.
Community & Culture | Colleagues quickly become friends. Alumni talk about the camaraderie, the sense that you’re part of something bigger, and the ease of finding mentors who genuinely care.
Wellness & Support | Wellness is built into the experience. From apps and peer networks to professional counseling, resources are there when you need them. There's also a free 24/7 gym on campus and regular wellness programming.
Everyday Perks | Free parking. Meals at noon conference. On-site child care center. Call rooms and quiet spaces when you need rest. These make a difference in the rhythm of daily training.
Unique Setting | As part of the Nemours Estate, you can step outside into beautiful gardens and expansive green space. Program-sponsored outings and social traditions add to the sense of balance and community.
Train With Experienced Faculty
You’ll learn alongside a dedicated team of board-certified clinical specialists and educators.
Our Leadership
Matthew Marrie, PT, DPT, OCS
Orthopedic Residency Program Coordinator
Meet Our Team
Michelle Feairheller, PT, DPT, OCS, SCS, CSCS
Physical Therapy Clinical Supervisor, Residency Faculty
Jeffrey Ruth, PT, DPT, OCS
Sports Lead, Residency Faculty
Eric Bates, PT, DPT, OCS
Residency Faculty
Erin Mackereth, PT, DPT
Residency Faculty
Matthew Harris, PT, DPT, CSCS
Outpatient Manager, Residency Faculty
Amanda Erb, PT, DPT, CSCS
Residency Faculty
Hope Clauhs, PT, DPT
Residency Faculty
Dr. William Emanuele, DO
Residency Faculty
Application & Selection
Applications are accepted through December 31, with interviews beginning in February.
Application Requirements
- Applicants must be eligible for or hold a current physical therapy license in Delaware and Pennsylvania through traditional or compact licensure.
- Licensure must be obtained and submitted to Nemours before the first day of employment.
Questions About Applying?
Matthew Marrie, PT, DPT, OCS
Program Coordinator
(267) 858-6077
therapyresidency@nemours.org